The toilet is one of the most used fixtures in any bathroom, and without regular cleaning, it can quickly become a source of stains, smells, and bacteria. Yet many people aren’t sure how to wash a toilet effectively.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how often you should clean your toilet and why it matters, what supplies you’ll need, and the best step-by-step method to get the job done. You’ll also find useful tips to make the process faster and more effective. Let’s begin.
How Often Should You Clean the Toilet?
You should clean your toilet at least once a week. Since it’s used so often, bacteria, mold, and mineral deposits can build up quickly. Regular weekly cleaning helps prevent stains, odors, and the spread of germs, keeping it sanitary and fresh.
If the toilet is used heavily (for example, in a large household or shared bathroom), you may need to clean it more often—every few days or even daily for quick wipe-downs. Even if the bowl itself doesn’t look dirty, the toilet seat, handle, and lid are high-touch areas that should be wiped down regularly to keep them sanitary. Keeping up with these small, frequent cleans makes the deeper weekly scrub much easier. Want to know how to clean lavatory more efficiently? Scroll down to the next section!
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, having the right cleaning products and tools at hand will make the process easier and more effective. Essential cleaning supplies include:
- Toilet brush with stiff bristles.
- Toilet cleaner (commercial or homemade, such as vinegar and baking soda).
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Disinfectant wipes or spray for exterior surfaces.
- Microfiber cloth or sponge.
- Bucket of warm water.
- Old toothbrush for small crevices.
- Optional but useful: pumice stone for stubborn stains, toilet bowl tablets for ongoing freshness, and paper towels for quick drying.
How to Clean WC?
Washing a toilet may sound simple, but doing it systematically ensures no spots are missed. Follow these steps for a complete clean:
Step 1: Prepare the area
Slip on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from germs and cleaning products. Open a window or switch on the bathroom fan so the space is well-ventilated. Then, give the toilet a quick flush to wet the bowl, which helps your cleaner spread more evenly.
Step 2: Apply toilet cleaner
Next, grab your toilet cleaner and squirt it generously around the rim so it runs down the sides of the bowl. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes to loosen dirt, kill germs, and soften stains. If you prefer a natural option, sprinkle some baking soda inside instead.
Step 3: Scrub the inside
Now it’s time to put in a little elbow grease. Take your toilet brush and scrub under the rim, along the sides, and deep into the trap at the bottom. Focus on any stubborn stains or discolored spots. If the buildup is tough, add a little extra baking soda or carefully use a pumice stone to gently buff away marks without scratching the porcelain.
Step 4: Clean the outside surfaces
Don’t forget the parts you touch most! Spray a disinfectant onto the seat, lid, handle, and even down to the base of the toilet. Wipe them clean with a microfiber cloth or disinfectant wipes.
For those tricky spots like the hinges or tight crevices, an old toothbrush works wonders. And if you have a wall hung toilet, remember to clean the underside too—it can easily collect dust and drips that are often overlooked.
Step 5: Flush and rinse
Give the toilet another flush while you lightly scrub with the brush. This helps rinse both the bowl and your brush at the same time. When you’re done, rinse and shake off the brush before storing it somewhere it can air-dry properly. Wipe away any splashes on the floor or surrounding surfaces so the whole area feels fresh.
Step 6: Final touch
Finish up by drying the outside surfaces with a paper towel or clean cloth so everything looks neat and streak-free. Finally, take off your gloves and throw them away if they’re disposable, or wash them thoroughly if they’re reusable. And just like that, your toilet is sparkling clean!
Tips for Cleaning the Toilet Effectively
Even though cleaning a toilet isn’t glamorous, using a few smart tricks can make it quicker and more efficient. Here are some pro cleaning tips:
- Use vinegar overnight: Pour vinegar into the bowl and leave it overnight to dissolve hard stains.
- Tackle rust stains: A pumice stone gently removes mineral rings without scratching porcelain.
- Disinfect the brush: After cleaning, pour hot water and disinfectant over your toilet brush to sanitize it.
- Don’t forget hidden spots: Clean the toilet base, water tank lid, and flush handle—areas often missed.
- Set a schedule: Weekly cleaning keeps toilets manageable, avoiding overwhelming buildup.
Conclusion
Knowing how to wash a toilet properly keeps your bathroom hygienic and fresh. A regular routine stops stains, odors, and bacteria from taking hold, while small details like cleaning hidden areas or letting the cleaner sit make the job more effective. With the right supplies and a few minutes of care each week, your toilet will stay spotless and sanitary. For durable, easy-to-clean designs that suit any bathroom, take a look at the toilets available at MyHomeware.
FAQs
How to wash the inside of a toilet?
Keeping the inside of your toilet clean doesn’t take long, but doing it properly helps prevent stains, odors, and buildup. Here’s a simple routine to follow:
- Squirt toilet cleaner under the rim so it coats the bowl.
- Allow 5–10 minutes for the cleaner to break down grime.
- Use a toilet brush to clean under the rim, along the sides, and into the trap.
- Give extra attention to discolored spots or buildup.
- Flush the toilet while brushing lightly to wash away residue.
- Add baking soda or vinegar for stubborn stains or extra freshness.
What are the brown stains in my toilet?
Brown stains in toilets usually come from mineral deposits in hard water, especially iron and manganese, which oxidize and leave rust-like marks. These stains often appear near the water line or under the rim where buildup is common.
To remove them, scrub with a toilet brush and use vinegar, baking soda, or a pumice stone for stubborn spots. Avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch porcelain. Regular weekly cleaning helps prevent buildup, and installing a water softener or filter may reduce stains in areas with very hard water.
Can you leave vinegar in a toilet bowl overnight?
Yes, vinegar is a safe and effective way to clean toilets naturally. Pour one to two cups into the bowl before bed, making sure it coats around the rim and down into the trap. The acidity breaks down limescale, mineral rings, and even light rust stains while killing bacteria.
By morning, most deposits will have loosened, so you just need a light scrub with a toilet brush before flushing. For extra effectiveness, add baking soda with the vinegar—it creates a fizzing action that tackles stains even more thoroughly.
How do you empty a toilet bowl to clean it?
To empty a toilet bowl, first locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn off the water supply. Flush once to remove most of the water, then use a sponge, cup, or wet/dry vacuum to clear any remaining water.
This method is useful for applying stronger cleaners, removing deep stains, or repairing the toilet. Make sure the water is completely drained before adding products like vinegar or bleach so they can work at full strength. Once done, turn the valve back on and flush to refill the bowl.
